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Last updated March 2026

Best laptops of 2026

Laptops have become a necessity for many in 2026, whether for work, relaxing, or creative endeavors. With hundreds of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the laptop that best fits your needs.

This list gathers some of the top laptops on the market in 2026, rating them based on performance, customer satisfaction, and longevity.

Apple MacBook Pro With M5 Chip

Best for Apple users - $$$

  • Processor: Apple M5 chip
  • Screen: 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR
  • RAM: Options from 16 GB to 32 GB depending on storage
  • Storage: 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB
  • Graphics: M5 chip integrated
  • Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 4, 1 HDMI, 1 Headphone jack, 1 SDXC

Apple's 2025 MacBook Pro brings a long battery life of up to 24 hours, lighting fast processor, and iPhone integration that makes life simple.

This laptop is built with Apple Intelligence to seamlessly incorporate AI into daily use to get things done while still keeping privacy protections.

Keep in mind: Apple doesn't support as many programs and games as Windows computers do.

4.6
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Excellent
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1

HP Omen 16"

Best gaming laptop - $$$

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX
  • Screen: 16" OLED 1920 x 1980
  • RAM: 32 GB
  • Storage: 1 TB SSD
  • Graphics: NVIDA GeForce RTX 5070
  • Ports: 2 USB Type-A, AC smart pin, Rj-45, USB Type-C, Headphone/mic combo

This laptop gives smooth gameplay even in demanding AAA games. The computer is also upgradable if gamers want even more RAM or storage to power more games. The screen also supports high-tier gaming with the OLED technology.

The keyboard has a zero-lattice design with no space between the keys, reducing the distance your hand has to travel to type.

Keep in mind: Some people find that the keyboard design makes typos more common and that it feels mushier to type on.

4.2
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Excellent
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Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360

Best for students - $$$

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7
  • Screen: 3k AMOLED 2880 x 1800 Touchscreen
  • RAM: ‎16 GB
  • Storage: 1 TB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎Intel Arc 140V GPU (8GB)
  • Ports: Micro SD, USB 3.2 Type A, 3.5pi MP/MIC, HDMI 2.1, and 2 ThunderBolt 4 slots

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro comes with Copilot+ and a processor to keep AI tasks efficient and effortless. Built-in AI features include circle to search and a transcription assistant, which is fantastic for students to turn lectures into summarized written notes.

This laptop comes with an S Pen and offers a touchscreen that can bend backward for note taking or creative tasks. The battery can last up to 25 hours. Some phones can connect to the computer to let you easily share files and connected. You can even use your phone as a webcam.

Keep in mind: Some of the phone features are only available if you have a Galaxy phone.

4.1
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Excellent
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1

LG gram Pro

Best for portability - $$$

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra7 256V
  • Screen: 16"
  • RAM: 16 GB or 32 GB
  • Storage: 1 TB SSD
  • Graphics: Intel Arc/ NVIDIA RTX 5050
  • Ports: 2 USB, MIC/HP, HDMI, 2 Type-C

This laptop weighs less than three pounds, one of the lightest computers on the market. Even with that light weight, it still has the power to multitask and handle demanding programs. The battery can last over a day of video playback.

The LG gram Pro has a hybrid AI design that manages local tasks like scheduling or document creation while also working behind the scenes to make operation smoother. You can also use the facial recognition to easily unlock the laptop.

Keep in mind: There is no memory card reader.

4.1
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Excellent
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1

Asus Zenbook Duo Laptop

Best for screen flexibility - $$$

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
  • Screen: 14" OLED 2880 x 1800
  • RAM: 32 GB
  • Storage: 1 TB SSD
  • Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics
  • Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB Type A, audio jack

This isn't a typical laptop. The screen is adjustable to be in laptop mode, dual screen mode, desktop mode, or presentation mode. The keyboard is magnetic and Bluetooth to allow for it to move easily. The screens are touchscreens, and the laptop comes with the ASUS Pen 2.0.

The Military-Grade durability means that it should stand up to heavy usage and switching between modes as often as you like. The battery can last up to 16 hours in laptop mode.

Keep in mind: This laptop doesn't have a memory card reader.

4
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Very good
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1

Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook

 Best Chromebook - $

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5
  • Screen: 14" 2560 x 1600
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 128 SSD
  • Graphics: ‎Integrated
  • Ports: Kensington Lock, 2 Thunderbolt USB-C, HDMI 2.1, 2 USB type A, Micro SD card reader, and 3.5 mm audio combo jack

This Chromebook offers a touch screen and sturdy construction for people who want a basic internet-based laptop on a budget. It meets Us Military Grade standards to make sure it's durable.

The bonusses that come with it are what make this laptop stand out. You get Google One AI Premium, including Gemini Advanced and Gemini in Google apps plus 2 TB of cloud storage for 12 free months. The AI features like noise cancellation and magic eraser elevate tasks. The fingerprint sensor makes it easy to log in.

Keep in mind: Chromebooks have limited functionality. You can only download certain apps and can't use regular programs.

3.9
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Very good
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1

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 3

Best for business use - $$

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5
  • Screen: 1920 x 1200 pixels
  • RAM: 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB, depending on storage level
  • Storage: 512 GB or 1 TB
  • Graphics: ‎Intel Arc Graphics
  • Ports: 2 USB-A ports, ethernet, HDMI, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, Kensington Security slot, and headphone/microphone 3.5 mm combo jack

ThinkPad laptops are praised as excellent business computers for their durability, quality, and functionality. They're easy to upgrade and repair when needed. This version of it includes Ai accelerators to improve processing and picture quality.

AI is also offered for the user through Copilot to give assistance with a variety of tasks. The computer also has a fingerprint reader for easy unlocking.

Keep in mind: The battery life is a little lower than other models in this price range at about 11 hours, so this laptop is less ideal on the go.

3.8
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Very good
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1

Acer Aspire 3

Best budget laptop overall - $

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
  • Screen: 15.6" 1920 by 1080
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 128 SSD
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
  • Ports: 2 USB Type A, USB-C, HDMI, 3.5 mm Headphone/mic combo

This laptop offers smooth performance for a wide range of tasks, making it a good budget option for people with basic needs. The battery lasts for up to 17 hours and the computer weighs just under four pounds, so it's great for being on the go.

The Aspire 3 has an improved cooling system for longer use.

Keep in mind: As a budget laptop, this computer isn't going to be able to run games or programs that need a lot of processing power. It also has a flimsier design than more premium laptops.

3.7
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Very good
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1

HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop

Best for budget gaming - $

  • Processor: Intel core i5-12450H
  • Screen: 15.6" FHD IPS Micro-Edge Anti-Glare 144Hz, 920 x 1080
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB SSD
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GDDR6
  • Ports: USB Type A, Headphone/microphone jack, Multi-format SD card reader, USB-C, RJ-45, USB-Type A, and HDMI 2.1

It's hard to find a gaming laptop for under $1000, but this laptop can manage a lot of games for a lower price. It has a battery life of up to 11 hours.

The storage can be expanded up to 2 TB for people who want to make more room for files or games.

Keep in mind: While this is advertised as a gaming laptop, it is still a budget laptop with lower RAM and graphics. It's unlikely to handle the latest, high demand games.

3.6
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Very good
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1

Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1

Best budget convertible laptop - $

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS
  • Screen: 14" 1920 by 1200
  • RAM: 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB, depending on storage
  • Storage: 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎Integrated
  • Ports: 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 HDMI, 1 SD card slot

This laptop is ideal for people who would occasionally like to use it as a tablet. It has impressive speakers for a computer in this price range, and the construction is sturdy enough to transition from a laptop to a tablet without straining the hinges.

The battery can last up to 16 hours. The backlit keyboard makes the computer easier to use in dark rooms. There is a fingerprint reader to unlock it faster.

Keep in mind: The ports use older technology, so there are no USB4 or 20Gbsp ports that offer faster transfer speed.

1

Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop

Best laptop for Alienware fans - $$$

  • Processor: Intel Core 7 140H 2.5GHz
  • Screen: 16-inch QHD+, 2560 x 1600 120Hz
  • RAM: 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB depending on storage size
  • Storage: 1 TB, 2 TB, or 3 TB
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50
  • Ports: HDMI 2.1, 2 Type C, USB Type A

A lot of people love Alienware for gaming, and this is a another from the brand built for gaming or multitasking. It can be used for long periods because of the thermal management that keeps the computer from overheating.

The graphics are powered with an NVIDIA GeForce card and AI to give great visuals while running popular games or videos. The backlit keyboard gives better visibility in darker environments.

Keep in mind: Some people love Alienware for gaming, but other people complain that the brand isn't as durable and reliable long-term as other companies.

1
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